Communiqué of the 1252nd Meeting of the Peace and Security Council held on 18 December 2024 on Update on the Progress made towards Silencing the Guns in Africa.

Abstract

The Council took note of the progress made in silencing the guns in Africa and commended the contributions of Member States, RECs/RMs, the AU Commission, and other stakeholders. It acknowledged the efforts of H.E. Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas and emphasized the need to strengthen his office. The Council encouraged Member States to deepen good governance, ensure political will, and work collectively to implement the AU Master Roadmap (AUMR). It called for immediate cessation of hostilities, security sector reforms (SSR), and enhanced cooperation to combat illicit arms. Strengthening the Continental Early Warning System (CEWS) and closing the gap between early warning and action were prioritized. The PSC underscored the need for synergy among AU bodies and international partners and urged addressing root causes of conflicts. It highlighted the importance of empowering women and youth, consolidating state authority, and ensuring effective implementation of decisions. The Council stressed the necessity of predictable funding for peace activities and requested a high-level forum in 2025 to assess progress. Regular updates from the AU Commission were also sought, with the PSC remaining actively seized of the matter.